Group photo of the walkers who stayed till the end.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
On October 22 in Tower Grove Park, a small group of thoughtful, committed, and passionate people gathered together to walk on behalf of an issue that, for many people, is difficult to care about, let alone stand up for… an issue that is too often ignored, marginalized, or even mocked… an issue that, indeed, can change the world. The issue? Compassion for farm animals. The event? The 2011 St. Louis Walk for Farm Animals.
More than sixty people came out on a chilly Saturday morning to do their small but important part to raise awareness of the cruelties involved in factory farming and to raise money for Farm Sanctuary, a national non-profit organization that rescues abused and abandoned farm animals and advocates on their behalf.
As one of the coordinators of this event, I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with these incredible volunteers. Some were vegans and animal rights activists. Others were just there to support friends or significant others. But everyone there had one thing in common, and everyone reading this does, too: the ability to change the world. The power to influence others and bring about change. The potential for good.
And even though the Walk is over, I want to encourage all the participants–and all of you reading this–to think of your daily life as a walk for whatever you’re passionate about. If you care for animals, make every day your own walk for farm animals. Every day presents you with a thousand opportunities for good. Make decisions consciously with your passion in mind. Choose vegan food options. Buy products that haven’t been tested on animals. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. The opportunities are endless.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2011 St. Louis Walk for Farm Animals. Thank you to the companies who supported the event, the friends and family members who donated money, the staff of Farm Sanctuary for all their hard work, and, of course, Jimmy and Darla, my awesome fellow coordinators.
I’d like to think I did this solely for the animals, but, if that were true, why would I so fondly remember the people?
Very Cool that SIXTY people showed up. I think we are reaching a tipping point!!!!